The electric motor increases from 70 kilowatts (95 hp) and 229 lb-ft of torque to 100 kw (136 hp) and 295 lb-ft, and it moves from between the engine and transmission to inside an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (or PDK in Porsche speak). That transmission replaces an 8-speed automatic.

Total it all up and system output increases from 416 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque to 462 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The motor can power the car by itself, or aid the engine. It is powered by a larger lithium-ion battery that is located in the trunk.

At 14.1 kilowatt-hours, the battery is 50 percent larger than the 9.4-kwh pack it replaces, though it takes up no more space than the old one.

Porsche says the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid can drive for 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electricity alone on the New European Driving Cycle. U.S. testing procedures are more stringent, so its EPA ratings won't be that high.

However, if it goes half again as far as the 15-mile range of the S E-Hybrid, it would deliver 22 or 23 miles of rated electric range.